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Public meeting to explain Red Line test track in Southie

By Rowan Walrath, Reporter CorrespondentJune 8, 2017

Rowan Walrath, Reporter Correspondent

The MBTA will discuss how they plan to use a stretch of track in South Boston to test-out new Red Line cars at a public meeting later this month. Testing of the new Red Line cars will begin in 2019, with 252 new cars set to replace the entire existing fleet by the end of 2023. The MBTA hopes to boost Red Line capacity by 50 percent with this venture.

The meeting, slated for Wednesday, June 28, will take place at Artists for Humanity in South Boston, according to a statement from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT).

Known as Track 61, the new Red Line test track will be used to test new cars prior to the fleet’s complete overhaul. The track, adjacent to Haul Road in South Boston, is set to be upgraded this fall for about $32 million, the statement said.

In accordance with requirements, the track will be at least 1,800 feet long, will be close to the Red Line’s maintenance facility, will not impact the main line, and will have storage space for rail cars nearby.

The June 28 meeting will provide accessibility accommodations and language services free of charge upon request, as available.